Rusk

Although only one family was living here in 1846, the site was chosen as the seat of Cherokee County. Named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, the town is famed as the birthplace of James Stephen Hogg and Thomas Mitchell Campbell, who were the first and second native-born Texans to serve as governor.

A historical maker gives details about the Old Rusk Penitentiary Building, now the central administration building of present Rusk State Hospital. The building is not open to the public. Avenue A and U.S. 69. www.dshs.state.tx.us/mhhospitals/RuskSH/RSH_About.shtm.